PTA-Provided Baby-Sitting Services

These guidelines shall apply to all baby-sitters, whether paid or volunteer. Baby-sitting services are exempt from licensing by the State Department of Social Services, since such services are defined as being provided when a parent/guardian is on the premises; e.g., children being tended in the same building as the association meeting being attended by parents. Baby-sitting services must be provided by two unrelated persons 18 or over for parents engaged in PTA-sponsored volunteer activities or parents who are attending a PTA meeting.

All baby-sitters paid by the PTA must be listed on the Workers’ Compensation Annual Payroll Report form filed by each PTA and submitted through channels to the California State PTA office no later than January 31 of each year. Treasurers must ensure that records of such payments are kept current, both for the PTA’s records and to facilitate completing the required Workers’ Compensation Annual Payroll Report.

State law mandates that “every employer shall establish, implement and maintain an effective injury and illness prevention program.” Any PTA that pays wages directly to an individual must comply with this state law.

If baby-sitters are paid more than $100 in a calendar year, see IRS Publication 937 for further information. The PTA may charge a reasonable fee for baby-sitting services.

For more information on the noncommercial policy see Bylaws for Local PTA/PTSA Units, Article III, a. and b.

Insurance Requirements

Guidelines for baby-sitters:

There are at least two unrelated persons 18 or over in attendance at all times.

Children are kept in a safe environment:

If outdoors – in an enclosed playground.

If indoors – in a room with safe, age-appropriate toys.

Bathroom facilities should be nearby.

Child:adult ratios are not exceeded:

0 to 5 years of age, 10 children to 2 adults; 1 additional person, high school age or older, for 11-15 children, and so forth.

6 to 10 years of age, 14 children to 2 adults; 1 additional person, high school age or older, for 15-28 children, and so forth.

A baby-sitter shall not change any diapers. A parent should be called to perform this task.